Transfer Roundup: 8th June

Gonzalo Higuain

It is no secret that Arsenal are in need of reinforcements up front and Real Madrid’s wantaway striker Gonzalo Higuain has been identified as a top target by the Gunners.

Florentino Perez, Real Madrid’s president, has vocally stated that Higuain is no longer needed at the Bernabéu and will be sold this summer.

The Argentinian has attracted interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs including Italian Champions Juventus and previously Manchester City, but it now looks like Arsenal are in pole position to land their man.

Arsene Wenger met with Higuain and his father, who is also the players agent, in Paris and held productive talks with the duo about a move to North London.

Arsenal were boosted by the news that Wenger will have £70 million to spend on transfers this summer, the biggest transfer kitty in the club’s history.

Higuain could be available for as little as £20 million, leaving a hefty amount left in the warchest for more high-profile additions to the squad.

Matthias Ginter

The Daily Mirror are reporting that Arsenal are interested in signing German starlet Matthias Ginter of Freiburg.

The 19-year-old made 21 appearances in the Bundesliga last season, scoring once in that time.

Although primarily used as a defensive midfielder, the German has also played in a more creative midfield role and interestingly as a striker for his club this season.

The Freiburg star has also attracted attention from Champions League finalists and Bundesliga runners up Borussia Dortmund, making competition for the players signature tough.

Freiburg have already lost several key players already this offseason, and would be reluctant to sell. But Arsenal, with plenty of cash available and a core of German players (Podolski, Mertesacker, Gnabry, Eisfeld) already at the Emirates, could be boosted in any move they make for the youngster.

Be sure to catch Ginter in action for Germany at this month’s U-21 European Championships.

Marouane Fellaini

Arsenal’s hopes of landing Everton and Belgium star Marouane Fellaini took a blow last night as Everton chairman Bill Kenwright admitted he is ready to give up his star to Manchester United.

David Moyes has been quiet since taking over Manchester United and it is beng widely reported that is number one transfer target this summer is his ex-player Fellaini.

Kenwright explained that Moyes knowledge of Fellaini’s contract and release clause gives the new United manager a huge boost in his pursuit for the midfielder.

It was recently reported that Arsenal had activated the lofty Belgian’s £22 million release clause, however insiders quickly defused those rumours, but clarified that the interest was definitely there.

Keep an eye on this story as it is highly likely that the transfer will develop in the coming weeks.

Simon Mignolet

Arsenal have identified Simon Mignolet as a transfer target as they look to provide competition for the erratic Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks.

The Belgian international was a key reason that Sunderland avoided relegation from the Premier League last season and has drawn attention from top clubs across Europe.

His agent spoke out this week, telling the Sunderland Echo: “I think it is very unlikely that he will sign a new contract.

“Simon has obviously come to a point where he wants to step up a level and there is a lot of interest in him.”

Mignolet faces tough competition from Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois, who has enjoyed two successful seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid, to be Belgian’s first choice goalkeeper for the 2014 World Cup and wants to prove himself at a higher level.

Mignolet still has two years left on his contract, but if the right deal came along for the keeper, Sunderland would likely be willing to sell.